Ups and downs: Hailing a heroine; demolition derby and a tragic tale recounted

Published: Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 02:05 PM.

And THUMBS UP to the congregation of Hawfields Presbyterian Church who allowed Steve Buntin to live on the church property in his van. Many recognized his face, few knew his name. Sometimes he was shunned or chased off other properties. Little is known of him. But his death earlier this month touched a nerve in the community and a memorial service in his honor will be held at the church today at 2 p.m.

You never know when a hero might emerge. THUMBS UP to the life-saving heroics of Emily Thouin, a 16-year-old junior at River Mill Academy. When her computer instructor, Jon Weis, began to choke on a bite of biscuit, Emily calmly put into action the Heimlich manuever she learned from the Red Cross and from a health class at the school, likely saving his life. Thouin, who hopes to become a nurse, said the training she’d undergone returned without her thinking. “It just kicked in,” she said. We know there is at least one person who was glad her learning kicked in when it did. Good thing she had enough training to take action. Wish more people did.

THUMBS DOWNto the expensive saga of the old Graham school, which Alamance County purchased a few years back for more than $500,000 and will now spend more than $200,000 to demolish — with still no plans in sight or the property. Can we all say, “Ugghh!”

THUMBS UP to the industrious Historic Providence Christian Church, which began celebrating its 250th anniversary this month and will continue to include the community with a series of events running through October. On Sunday, the church will hold an event with the theme “the birth of the United States of America.” In coming months there will be celebrations of the birth of the county, Graham, Elon, the court system, the public library system, education and the development of the religious community.

THUMBS UP to city officials for pursuing East Burlington input on East Burlington problems, After hearing complaints about “broken promises” in the area, Mayor Ronnie Wall has pledged to get behind a scheme to employ a focus group to suggest and create projects citizens think are important for their own neighborhoods. The initial idea is to get people actually living in east Burlington to be in the focus group. Be watching for the announcement for meetings, which should be held as spring approaches. By the way, read more about this in Sunday’s Times-News.

THUMBS UP to People magazine for featuring Harry Cohen, the Williams quarterback who died of an accidental overdose of prescription medication in August 2011, in its current issue. Cohen’s story and an interview with his mother and stepfather, “A Football Star Makes One Fatal Move,” are included in a package of stories about the rise in prescription pill misuse and fatalities in the magazine’s Jan. 28 issue. It’s not a pleasant topic, but it’s necessary young and old alike realize the tragic consequences that can occur. We salute the family for contributing to the story which, as painful as it is, will reach a national audience.

THUMBS UP to Tommie Griffin, who realized just what a gift life itself is. Diagnosed with uterine cancer in early 2011, she has kept a sunny disposition, despite the harsh chemotherapy and radiation treatments and the miserable, fatiguing side-effects. She has relied on faith and the kindness of others to keep positive. She has embodied her very spirit with a painting, “Spirit Alive,” which she feels reflects the prayers and love from family and friends and caregivers. The painting was one of 19 winning artworks in the Lilly Oncology on Canvas competition and is on display at ARMC through Jan. 30. When you see it, think of life.

THUMBS UP to Graham artist Molly Brown Roberts. Roberts painted a lifesize fiberglass cow, dubbed “Cowalina Dogwood,” which is one of only six cows in CowParade North Carolina 2012’s stampede to be chosen for miniature replication. CowParade originated in Chicago in 1999, and new herds have been painted by local artists and displayed regionally ever since. “Cowalina Dogwood” will benefit N.C. Children’s Hospital when she’s auctioned off during “The Battle for the Cattle” live auction and gala event Feb. 2 at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

And THUMBS UP to the congregation of Hawfields Presbyterian Church who allowed Steve Buntin to live on the church property in his van. Many recognized his face, few knew his name. Sometimes he was shunned or chased off other properties. Little is known of him. But his death earlier this month touched a nerve in the community and a memorial service in his honor will be held at the church today at 2 p.m.